FIND YOUR WHY

Whatever your motivation, running in aid of a good cause can be a hugely empowering experience

There are all sorts of reasons to sign up for a run that benefits a charity. For Sacha Bell (left), 30, from Manchester, who ran her first half marathon just a few months ago, the decision to take part was sparked by the birth of her son.

‘I’ve always wanted to run a half marathon,’ she says, ‘but when I became a mother myself I realised that I really wanted to raise money for a children’s charity, so the desire to do it ramped up.’

As Sacha’s story shows, getting fit in the name of a good cause is a pretty strong incentive to take part in a race. But whatever drives you to want to challenge yourself, there’s no doubt that it can be really rewarding.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

We all have causes that we feel passionate about, and taking part in a race is the perfect opportunity to literally step up and help make a difference. The NSPCC’S dedicated team is committed to ensuring that you have the best possible experience when you’re taking part in a race – from those first days of training all the way through to race day and beyond.

‘I felt 100% supported all the way through,’ confirms Sacha. And you can be assured that every pound you raise will go towards helping to make sure that vulnerable children become safe.

DISCOVER YOUR TRIBE

Think running’s a solitary sport? Think again. From Facebook groups to organised training runs, charities have many ways to hook you up with other people rooting for the same cause. Who knows? You might just come away with a whole new group of friends.

ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL

There’s nothing like the feelgood glow that comes from setting yourself an objective and nailing it. Signing up to a run is a statement of intent and an incentive to train on even dark winter mornings. And once you know you can do it, there’ll be no stopping you.

(IM)PROVING YOURSELF

‘I was nervous before I started training, but once I got my first 10-mile run under my belt,

I felt like I could manage the full distance and enjoy it,’ says Sacha. With no greater ambition than getting around the course, she easily beat her modest time goal, with help from the Full Potential company (fullpotential.co.uk), NSPCC’S partner, which provides training plans and support for runners. ‘It definitely helps to show you what you’re capable of,’ she says. Confidence boost sorted.

FEELING PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Your average race day is definitely more than the sum of its parts. The people involved might be running for different reasons, but the spirit is positive and the pay-off immense. ‘The atmosphere was incredible,’ says Sacha. ‘It’s given me the bug – I’m doing the Great North Run next.’

100% ‘I FELT SUPPORTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH’